𝑺𝒐𝒓𝑺𝑼 𝑮𝒐𝒆𝒔 𝟏𝟎𝟎%! 𝑺𝑻𝑨𝑹𝑩𝑶𝑶𝑲𝑺 𝑪𝒐𝒎𝒑𝒍𝒆𝒕𝒆𝒔 𝑫𝒊𝒈𝒊𝒕𝒂𝒍 𝑺&𝑻 𝑹𝒐𝒍𝒍𝒐𝒖𝒕, 𝑷𝒐𝒘𝒆𝒓𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝑼𝒑 𝑨𝒈𝒓𝒊𝒄𝒖𝒍𝒕𝒖𝒓𝒆 𝒂𝒕 𝑪𝒂𝒔𝒕𝒊𝒍𝒍𝒂 𝑪𝒂𝒎𝒑𝒖𝒔

December 5, 2025

by DOST-Sorsogon

The Department of Science and Technology Bicol (DOST-Bicol), through its Provincial Science and Technology Office-Sorsogon (PSTO-Sorsogon), in partnership with Sorsogon State University-Castilla Campus (SorSU-Castilla), conducted a "STARBOOKS Launching, Orientation, and Users' Hands-on Training", held at Brgy. Mayon, Castilla, Sorsogon.

The Science and Technology Academic and Research-Based Openly-Operated KioskS (STARBOOKS) brings online and/or offline digital learning to the students and faculties of SorSU. The system is designed to be accessible to all students, including Persons with Disabilities (PWDs), promoting inclusive and equitable education by ensuring every learner can utilize its vast knowledge repository. This digital library serves as a vital tool to augment classroom instruction and support research, directly improving the quality of science and technology education at SorSU-Castilla.

The partnership was formalized through a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signing between DOST V and SorSU-Castilla. The agreement was represented by Engr. Sandro B. Noguera, Provincial Science and Technology Director of DOST-Sorsogon; Dr. Geraldine F. De Jesus, SorSU President; and Mr. Andrew F. Detera, Campus Director of SorSU-Castilla.

Mr. Bon Carlo D. Salonga, Science Research Specialist II from DOST-Sorsogon, and Mr. John Nebrej Rempis, Project Administrative Aide III, spearheaded the training by providing a technical overview of STARBOOKS. The training was designed to equip participants with the necessary knowledge and skills for operating, maintaining, and submitting reports through the STARBOOKS system. Following the introductory session, a hands-on activity was conducted focusing specifically on system operation and content access.

STARBOOKS, a multi-awarded, stand-alone S&T library in a box developed by DOST-STII, provides a wide range of science and technology-based educational resources in various formats. This initiative and training are part of DOST's continuous efforts to promote Science, Technology, and Innovation (STI) in remote areas, raising awareness of its importance for rural development.

#DOSTBicol

#PSTOsorsogon

#SiyensyaUnaSaSorsogon

#SiyensyangMaaasahanSaKabikolan

#OneDOST4U

#ScienceForThePeople

#dostPH

#STARBOOKS